14.05.

2019

PRIVATE NOTICE QUESTION

To ask the Honourable Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External

Communication and National Development Unit, Minister of Finance and
Economic Development –

Whether, in regard to the Film Rebate Scheme, he will, for the benefit
of the House, obtain from the Economic Development Board,
information as to the total amount refunded to film production
companies in 2017, 2018 and since 01 January 2019 to-date and –

(a) table the list of the said companies, indicating the film
titles and amount refunded for each category of Qualifying
Production Expenditure; and

(b) state the films titles having obtained a refund exceeding

Rs 50 million and/or greater than 30% of Qualifying
Production Expenditure?

REPLY

Madam Speaker,

In the Government Programme 2015 - 2019 at

paragraph 78 it is stated that I quote:

‘The promotion of arts and culture will constitute an

important ingredient in nurturing national unity and
promoting our tourism industry. Measures will be
put in place to promote cultural tourism, religious
pilgrimage and film production.’ Unquote
 The Film Rebate Scheme is governed by the
Economic Development Board (Film Rebate Scheme)
Regulations 2018. The objects of the scheme are to:

(a) Attract reputed international film producers for the

shooting or pre-production, production or post-
production of a film in Mauritius;
(b) Open the scope for local film producers and artists;
(c) Unleash talents; and
(d) Increase the international visibility of Mauritius.

The scheme provides for a film production company to be

reimbursed:

(a) A sum representing 30% of its qualifying production

expenditure; or
(b) where the production brings or is likely to bring
significant economic benefits, a sum representing
not less than 30% nor more than 40% of the
qualifying production expenditure in respect of a
feature film or an episode of drama television
programme, in accordance with the percentage
recommended by the film rebate committee
provided that the film production company meets

2
 such relevant requirements as the committee may
determine including-
a. In the case of a feature film, a qualifying
production expenditure of not less than USD 1
million or
b. In the case of an episode of drama television
programme, a qualifying production expenditure
of not less than USD 150,000 per episode;
c. An undertaking to promote Mauritius at the time
of the film promotion.

Madam Speaker,

I am further informed that since the introduction of the

scheme in 2013, a total of 156 film projects have been
approved under the Film Rebate Scheme, out of which 95
projects have been completed. The total Qualifying
Production Expenditure, that is, expenditure incurred by
film producers in Mauritius in respect of these 95 projects
amounts to MUR 3.53 Billion.

Madam Speaker,

Regarding part (a) of the question, I am tabling the list

of companies for each category of Qualifying Production

3
Expenditure, which have been refunded as from 2017 to
date.

As regard to part (b) of the question I am informed

that one film namely Serenity has obtained a refund
exceeding MUR 50 million (Rs 214.3 million has been
made to the company). Two films, namely Serenity and
Singleholic (Rs 26.1 million) have benefitted of a refund
exceeding 30% of Qualifying Production Expenditure
respectively at 39% and 34%.

The development of the film industry has both a multiplier

and synergy effect on the economy. Moreover,
Government has collected around MUR 900 Million in
terms of both direct and indirect taxes. In addition, the
Film Rebate Scheme has created employment
opportunities for more than 2,000 local people in both
technical and creative fields. These include local crews
and technicians; supporting cast; art and decoration;
camera lighting and photography; make up; script writing,
assistant direction, production and project; post production
and visual effects; and dubbing.

4
Madam Speaker,

I wish to highlight that there are some 30 countries

around the world that provide fiscal incentives to attract
foreign film makers. The competition is therefore tough.

Despite such competition, Mauritius is progressing well.

In its 2018 annual report, KPMG (India) has given
recognition to the competitive advantage offered by the
Film Rebate Scheme in Mauritius. Earlier in December
2017, Mauritius won the best film shooting location as part
of an award offered by Indywood Film Festival in
Hyderabad.

Madam Speaker,

There is no doubt that, apart from the economic

benefits being derived, the image of Mauritius, both as a
tourism and investment destination is being enhanced
through the showcasing of the various films in different
parts of the world.

P.K.J.
5
6